A violin by ALESSANDRO MEZZADRI Ferrara, c. 1710

Violins by Alessandro Mezzadri are exceedingly rare and the nest, including this exceptional example, are made with the highest quality workmanship and materials. Based on a Maggini model, the violin was once owned by the late, long-time Detroit Symphony member Alvin Score. We have a letter written by legendary virtuoso Ruggiero Ricci extolling the violin’s, “beautiful tonal quality,” with “all the characteristics of a fine concert instrument.” Handsome in appearance with a beautiful, deep orange-brown varnish and tonally rich with marvelous projection, this Mezzadri would be a great for all types of playing.

Photo: Matthew Tolzmann